Sunday Summary: The Advent Conspiracy - Part 4 : Not a Silent Night

We began the last Sunday of Advent with scripture from the Christmas story that's probably familiar to most of us. It comes from Luke 2:1-20 (The Voice):

The emperor of Rome, Caesar Augustus, required everyone to participate in a census. Each person had to go to their ancestral city. (The purpose of a census like this was to be sure that everyone was appropriately taxed and everyone knew who was in charge.)

Joseph had to participate in the census just like everyone else. Because he was a descendant of King David, his ancestral city was Bethlehem. Mary, who was late in her pregnancy, accompanied him. While in Bethlehem, she went into labor and gave birth to a son, Jesus. She wrapped the baby in a cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because the inn had no room for them.

Outside of Bethlehem, a group of shepherds were guarding their livestock. Suddenly an angel stood before them, and they were terrified. "Don’t be afraid!" said the angel, "I bring good news, news of great joy, news that will affect all people everywhere." Then, the angel was joined by a heavenly choir, singing praises to God.

The shepherds rushed into town to see for themselves, and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger. Knowing this was the beginning of the prophecy, they spread the story of what they had seen. Everyone who heard the story was eager, for they knew its meaning... the great King had come to earth.

We often like to think of this time of year as it's depicted in the perfect, sappy, happy-ending Christmas specials we see on TV. You know what I mean... Lifetime and the Hallmark Channel have been running them non-stop since November 1st (with ABC and Fox close behind), so don't pretend you didn't get sucked into at least one.

But, as most of us know, it's not always a perfect world. In fact, Christmas can be a really difficult time for a lot of us... Maybe it's the first year since losing a loved one. Maybe money is really tight and we can't afford a grand meal and lots of toys for the kids. Maybe we don't have the support of our family and friends and spend the season alone.

Imagine how imperfect that first Christmas was... Mary, a very pregnant teenager, traveling over mountains to the Sea of Galilee, by foot or on a donkey, with her fiancé, Joseph. It was a week-long journey of 80 miles or so. (Here's one interpretation of what it may have been like.)

Upon arriving in Bethlehem, they're told they is no room at the inn for them, but meager accommodations are made. Imagine the smell, the noise, the utter calamity happening around them. Imagine giving birth — not in a clean hospital with doctors, nurses, epidurals, room service, and cable TV — but in a stable, alone but for her fiancé, surrounded by livestock. It was not likely a silent night, as we often romanticize it. The cries of a mother in labor. The animals agitated by their new guests. Blood and screaming, then a crying newborn baby. Most definitely not a silent night. (A video of the song, "Labor of Love" by Andrew Peterson.)

Yet, God was in the midst of all of it... the incarnation and embodiment of an almighty and powerful God.

The time of Jesus' birth was a dark time in history, stricken with greed and corruption. But with his birth came a new empire. His first visitors were not ambassadors or dignitaries. They were simple shepherds, with little to no status in the world. The revolution, then and now, is in the quiet hearts of humble, ordinary people who have made room in their lives for him.

No matter how much our lives do or do no reflect the Christmas story, God comes to every cradle — from the throne of heaven, down to the level of humanity — living among us in a broken world... seeing our pain and struggle, and meeting us where we're at.

The final theme in the Advent Conspiracy is: Love all. 

It all boils down to love. Love from a savior. Love to a neighbor in need. By spending just a little less on gifts we free up our resources to love as Jesus loves by giving to those who really need help.

Go. Be. Do.

Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger

Sunday Summary: The Advent Conspiracy - Part 3 : Light in the Darkness

Sunday's scripture came from Luke 1:57-80 (The Voice), and depicts the birth and Jewish naming ceremony of John the Baptist. Elizabeth had her baby and the news quickly spread through the community, about the story of a barren woman who had given birth. Eight days after he was born, the time came for his circumcision and naming.

Everyone assumed he would be named Zachariah, after his father. But Elizabeth insisted his name would be John. When they asked Zachariah, who was still unable to speak, he wrote, “His name is John.” This breach of family custom surprised everyone. And at that moment, Zachariah was able to talk, and he shouted out praises to God in song (called the Benedictus):

"May the Lord God of Israel be blessed indeed! For God’s intervention has begun, and He has moved to rescue us, the people of God."

The first part is a song of thanksgiving for the realization of the hopes of the oppressed nation is Israel. The second part is addressed to his son, who would play an important role in the redemption:

"And you, my son, will be called the prophet of the Most High. For you will be the one to prepare the way for the Lord..."

Step back for a moment and consider that Zachariah had been silent for 9 months. It was a time of thought and reflection for him and it's likely that he gave serious thought to the possibility of what was coming. If you were unable to speak, what would you think about?

His silence is symbolic of a people living in oppression. The world he lived in was one of anguish and persecution. Legions of Roman soldiers stood guard in Judea, often carrying out brutal and violent attacks. Its citizens were expected to keep in line with the decrees of Rome, lest they face torture, imprisonment, or death. It was a world of hardship and suffering and darkness.

An angel had come to him and foretold of liberation from this injustice, and yet he was unable to speak of it. When the time came for him to say something, he was prepared. His silence was lifted. The messiah was coming and God was about to fulfill thousands of years of prophesy by lifting up these people. They were filled with hope for what lie ahead and called to trust in God.

Following the The Advent Conspiracy movement, the focus this week is on giving more. 

What weighs heavy on our hearts and minds in today's world? What darkness and persecution and injustice do we see happening around us? How will we get involved? What will we give to the world?

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." - lyrics from a gospel children's song by Harry Dixon Loes, circa 1920

When we choose to follow Christ, we enter this story. The world today is broken in many ways and still needs prophets. It still needs messengers and people of God to prepare the way. We are all called to the task... believers and doubters, saints and sinners. We are called to be the light. We can come together as a community and stand for peace and justice and God's love. We can be a people proclaiming light in the darkness.

Go. Be. Do.

Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger

Feeling Thirsty?

783 million people in the world lack access to clean drinking water.
That's 1 in 9 of us on the planet! 

• Americans spend $450 billion on Christmas each year. 
• $20 billion would be enough provide clear water to every person. 

You get where we're going with this… 

Part of our conspiring this Advent is to challenge ourselves to spend a little less and give a little more. All through December, we will be receiving donations to the Ghana Water Projects through UMCOR. Every dollar given goes directly to the project. NONE gets caught in administrative costs.

This Christmas, give the gift of water.

Learn more at Ghana Water Projects.

Sunday Summary: The Advent Conspiracy - Part 2 : Upside Down

We picked up our reading of the Christmas story with Luke 1:39-56 (The Voice). Mary has just learned that she is pregnant with Jesus (who will be the Messiah). She travels to Judea to be with her cousin, Elizabeth, who is also pregnant with a son (to be known as John the Baptist).

Upon entering the house, Mary greets her cousin. When she hears Mary's voice, the child in Elizabeth's womb leaps, and she is overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit. She praises Mary for her faith. Mary, who is deeply moved, responds in song:

My soul lifts up the Lord! My spirit celebrates God, my Liberator!

For though I’m God’s humble servant, God has noticed me.

Now and forever, I will be considered blessed by all generations. 

For the Mighty One has done great things for me; holy is God’s name!

From generation to generation, God’s loving kindness endures for those who revere Him. 

God’s arm has accomplished mighty deeds.

The proud in mind and heart, God has sent away in disarray. 

The rulers from their high positions of power, God has brought down low.

And those who were humble and lowly, God has elevated with dignity. 

The hungry—God has filled with fine food. 

The rich—God has dismissed with nothing in their hands.

To Israel, God’s servant, God has given help,  as promised to our ancestors, remembering Abraham and his descendants in mercy forever.

Mary's song, sometimes known as the Magnificat, isn’t just religious; it has strong social and political overtones. It speaks of a great revolution to come. The Jews are oppressed by the Roman Empire, and to speak of a king who will overthrow the rich and powerful, and elevate the poor and humble, means God is moving toward setting them free.

Interesting factoid: In the 1980s, in Guatemala, which at the time was mostly Catholic, it was illegal to speak the Magnificat in public. That’s right; the government of Guatemala found gentle Mary’s song so subversive -- so dangerous, that they banned it. The government was in the midst of a revolution and had never been stable. They found something powerful in the way that the people were responding to the song. And they were scared.

There is power in Mary’s song. It is the power of speaking something into existence. Justice is still very much needed in places around this world, even here in America.

Now, changing our tune for just a moment (pun intended), Cody has a bit of a love/hate relationship with Christmas music. He's not a Grinch, just not a fan of the constant drone of Bing Crosby's White Christmas, played on repeat at every coffee house, local boutique, and shopping mall from before Thanksgiving through the end of the year.

Some years ago, Cody was invited (possibly forced) on a post-holiday trip to Garrison, North Dakota for the annual Dickens Village Festival. According the their website, the event turns a community of 1,500 into a quaint Victorian town from the era of Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol." 

That sounds nice, doesn't it? Well, to hear Cody tell of it, not so much. It's basically all the same little shops you'd expect to find in small town, main street ND, but with the names changed to "Ye Olde..." and an English double-decker bus named "Queen Elizabus." Okay, that's a little corny. And from every speaker in town, horrendously loud Christmas music is blaring. Ugh! I see his point.


As Americans, we go a little bit nuts over Christmas. It's almost like a dream sequence. We're frenzied and running around with our blinders on. We shop until we drop, sometimes spending money we don't have. We cook and bake and candy-make the most elaborate and traditional recipes we can find. We rush around, trying to make sure every last detail is perfect. It's a bit over the top.

And when it's all over, what's left? Have we taken the time to appreciate the true meaning of the season?

Getting back to our theme of the Advent Conspiracy: Trust that it can be done. We can re-evaluate and re-prioritize. We need not get caught up in the hype of consumerism. We can enjoy the holiday without getting lost in it. It's important to remember that there are people, closer to home than you might believe, who are going without all those decadent gifts and luxuries this Christmas.

Worship fully. Spend less. Give more. Love all. That is the message we're trying to follow this Advent season. To give ourselves to something bigger than any of us... and to turn our heads, tune our hearts and worship a savior whose birth turned this world upside-down.

You're probably familiar with this Christmas carol:

Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room...

Make room in your heart for Jesus this season. Make room in your life for him. Live out that joy! When Jesus shows through the hearts of the people on earth, peace and justice are lived out. Mary's song becomes a reality. The kingdom of God is in the quiet hearts of humble, ordinary people who have made room in their hearts for him.

Imagine what the world would look like if we all lived out that joy. Mary's song was just the beginning of something great. Let it live on in you.

Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger

Sunday Summary: The Advent Conspiracy - Part 1 : Silent

Our scripture on the first Sunday of Advent was from Luke 1:5-25 (The Message) and tells the first part of the Christmas story. It's the narrative of Zachariah and Elizabeth; an elderly couple, true in their faith, who were never able to have any children... ordinary, everyday people.

An angel of God appeared to Zachariah in the temple, telling him, "Don’t fear, Zachariah. Your prayer has been heard. Elizabeth will bear a son by you. You are to name him John." Zachariah was in disbelief and questioned the angel, to which the angel Gabriel replied, "...because you won’t believe me, you’ll be unable to say a word until the day of your son’s birth. Every word I've spoken to you will come true on time — God’s time."

Zachariah was silent until the birth of his son, John, the one that would prepare the way for the Messiah. Nine months of silence. Can you imagine not uttering a syllable for 3/4ths of a year?

Too often, we feel like time (especially around Christmas), flies by. There are so many things to get done: shopping, gift-wrapping, cooking, baking, running here, rushing there, making lists, checking them twice... you know the routine. January comes as a welcome relief from all the chaos. And too often, we look back and realize we've missed the joy of the season.

Do you remember how long the Christmas season was as a child? It seemed like an eternity between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Waiting for the break from school. Waiting to see all your extended family. Waiting for the cookies and candy. Waiting for the celebrations and gifts. The anticipation and impatience was enough to make you excitable and restless... and drive your parents absolutely crazy. Seriously, parents, you know it's true.

And then Christmas finally arrived... and it was everything you imagined it would be. Cody remembers it well. He talked about a favorite, childhood Christmas memory. (We're told there is a photo of this event, but it's yet to appear.) Picture this: It's Christmas Eve and young Cody, dressed in polyester, plaid, bell-bottom pants and a bright red sweater, is surrounded by the many presents he's received from Santa and his family. Toys abound and it's clear this child is very loved and possibly a little bit spoiled. And there he sits —  not playing with all his new toys — but rather, playing with and sitting in the big box they came in. Ah, the joys of childhood!

The Advent Conspiracy: Christmas was meant to be celebrated, not regretted.

We all want our Christmas to be a lot of things. Full of joy. Memories. Happiness. What we don't want is stress. Or debt. Or feeling like we missed the moment. Advent Conspiracy is a movement designed to help us all slow down, and experience a Christmas worth remembering. But doing this means doing things a little differently... a little creatively. It means turning Christmas upside-down.

The second part of our scripture picked up with Luke 1:26-38 (The Message), the introduction of the Virgin Mary. God sent the angel Gabriel to a virgin who was engaged to be married. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. She was shaken by the angels appearance, but Gabriel assured her, "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call him Jesus. He will be the Messiah." Mary didn't understand how this could be. The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the child you bear will be called Holy, Son of God." Then he told her of her cousin Elizabeth's pregnancy. "Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God." And Mary said, "Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve."

Even at the tender age of 13, Mary understood the importance of her role. She would be the mother of the Messiah, the one for which these oppressed people had waited thousands of years. It was a scandalous tale that would challenge the ruling empire.

The Advent Conspiracy mission is about making Christmas a season of peace, justice, mercy, grace, and Jesus's revolutionary love. It is estimated that Americans spent $500 billion on Christmas 2012. That equates to about $1,000 per family. Most of that is on credit cards, many of which aren't paid off by the following year. Every year, we hear about fights, and even deaths, that occur as a result of the craze of Black Friday shopping. Is that the Christmas story God would want?

What do we want our own Christmas story to be? Over-indulgence and over-spending or helping others and becoming closer to those we love?  Let's focus that attention on worship. Let's conspire together, to shift our attention to God and turn Christmas upside-down.

Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger

Animate! Bible Study

You've asked for it! 
But this is not a typical study…
it is video led by hipsters, scholars, and even a bishop. 

A refreshing new take on what the Bible is, how it came to be, and how we should read it --- each session encourages participants to discuss, sketch, doodle, create, and share. It’s an open-ended approach that provides space for reflection and prayer in a beautifully illustrated journal. Preview it here.

Kaylyn Stroh will facilitate this group using "Animate: Bible" material. No cost (however, a small donation to cover a participants journal is welcome). More details to come soon - we want to start right away after the holiday rush.

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS @ the Gathering

SUNDAYS:: Advent Conspiracy :: 
The four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as Advent. At the Gathering, we are going to celebrate this Advent/Christmas season by taking part in something called the "Advent Conspiracy" -- a movement that seeks to help us find meaning in this busy, often frantic time of year. Come conspire at the Gathering.

Christmas Party! :: 
Next week we will be announcing the date and location of our first ever Gathering Christmas Party! An evening of food and fun is being planned -- watch for details very soon!

Christmas Eve :: 
In town Christmas Eve and looking for a service to attend? You are invited to be part of the services at our mother church, First UMC (corner of 1st Ave & 10th St S) -- three options: 4 p.m. in the main sanctuary, 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs chapel, and 11 p.m. in the main sanctuary (with Holy Communion). Cody will be conducting the 11 p.m. service.

Sunday Summary: Who really is God?

This week's scripture comes to us from Isaiah 66:12-13 (ERV):

This is what the Lord says: Look, I will give Jerusalem peace that will flow in like a river. Wealth from all the nations will come flowing into her like a flood. And like little babies, you will drink that ‘milk.’ I will hold you in my arms, and bounce you on my knees. I will comfort you like a mother comforting her child. You will be comforted in Jerusalem.

What might God look like? When you imagine God, do you think of a bearded, old, white man? Does he bear an uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus, minus the red velvet suit? Hold that thought.

Cody shared a story from his youth. He grew up on a farm in a small, ND community, where his parents raised cattle. One of the daily chores was checking on the herd, and it was a task he looked forward to, as it was a chance to ride the 3-wheeler with his dad. 

One spring, during calving season, the 3-wheeler quit out in the field and his dad had to pull start it to get it running again. They jumped off and dad started tinkering. Meanwhile, young Cody was looking around at the nearby cattle and spotted "Old Blue," a particularly ornery, old cow who had recently given birth to a calf. She wasn't typically the friendly sort, and on this day, she seemed notably agitated by their presence. His father quickly got the machine running and grabbed young Cody, tossing him onto the 3-wheeler in one fell swoop.

Upon returning home, he asked his dad about the event. Dad explained that she was protecting her child, and might have charged them to defend her calf from their (perceived) harm. 

Lesson learned: There is no greater warrior than a mother protecting her child. (N.K. Jemisin)

All bets are off when it comes to mothers defending their young, animals and humans alike. It's a hard-wired instinct; a universal truth.

Speaking from his experience and that of others, Cody talked about global feeding ministries, and that "if you give the food to the women, the village will be fed." The women nurture and care for the village, by feeding the children first and distributing the food fairly. If given to the men first, they often try to play politics.

The Bible describes God in many ways, often using masculine language. God is presented as a law-giver, a warrior, a judge. But God is also described as compassionate and nurturing. It is a book written by human beings, attempting to interpret and understand God.

It is worth considering that God likely transcends our understanding, our perception, our language, and our physical realm. Our attempts to characterize God always fall short. God is more than masculine or feminine descriptions, beyond the concept of male and female, and yet includes some of those traits we see in ourselves. God is bigger than that, though, and simply can't be put in a box. To quote Shakespeare's Hamlet,

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger

:: IN THE COMING WEEKS :: Your Questions Answered Explored11.24 What's the Deal with Denominations? 

Sunday Summary: Why Should I Believe in Heaven and Hell?

Once again, we have a topic that could cover a year's worth of sermons, so this week's discussion was a 'scratch on the surface' of the concept of heaven and hell.

Everyone has their own imagery of heaven. Close your eyes and picture it. What do you see? Big, puffy clouds; winged-angels in flowing, white robes with glowing, gold halos; saints plucking harp strings?

Now, picture hell. Do you imagine a huge lake of fire, surrounded by jagged, black rock formations; ominous, pitchfork-wielding creatures lurking in the shadows; the screams of burning, tortured souls?

Would you be surprised to know that those descriptions don't appear in the Bible? Cody talked about how in Jesus’ teachings, heaven is not a destination but rather a reality of God’s kingdom or being in God’s presence. In the end (whatever that is, or might look like!) God, the creator of heaven and earth will remake both and join them together.

Heaven isn't physical place in the universe. Any concept of meeting Saint Peter at the pearly gates is simply not biblical. Heaven is a place in God... in God’s presence. It is sometimes described as a hidden dimension of our ordinary place.

As for hell, it is an actual place. Cody shared that the word translated as “hell” in the teachings of Jesus, is “Gehenna,” which was the smoldering trash heap outside the southwest gate of the old city of Jerusalem. When Jesus spoke of hell, he was literally referring to the town dump. N.T. Wright has said that Jesus’ talk of Hell was political; Jesus was teaching that violent rebellion against Rome to establish God’s kingdom would end badly: Rome would turn Jerusalem into an extension of its own smoldering garbage pile.

So, do I need to "get saved?" In short, yeah. But it’s not just about getting to heaven when you die. The word salvation means “rescue” – rescued from what? Some say from our nasty, wicked bodies and this nasty, wicked world. But that’s just not supported by the Bible, even if it is what the majority of Christians in the western world believe. Salvation is not just about the saving of a soul. Salvation is about the redemption of the body, and along with it, bringing about God’s new heaven and new earth! Thus, salvation is an ongoing thing — a transformation!

Jesus loves us. He died and was raised from the dead to bring an to end to death and sins. And, that's what salvation is about. No one is excluded from God’s invitation. It is open to all people, without exception. No matter who you are... no matter what sins you have committed, you can receive forgiveness and God’s transforming grace.

Our scripture from Sunday comes from Colossians 3:12-17. This version is from "The Message":

"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way."

Basically, let the love of Jesus shine through your life. Walk in His footsteps. Show compassion and kindness. Be humble. Keep calm. Forgive those who have wronged you. Be thankful. Praise God. And know that your salvation is a gift that needn't be earned. Put your trust in Him. That's it.

Of course, this all brings up many more questions and thoughts. Sunday's Q & A session was interesting and thought-provoking. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.

Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger

:: IN THE COMING WEEKS :: Your Questions Answered Explored
11.17 Who really is God?
11.24 What's the Deal with Denominations?

Sunday Summary: What is the Point of Prayer?

You may have seen the movie "Talladega Nights," with Will Ferrell. Remember the prayer scene? Ricky Bobby prays to “baby Jesus” and gives thanks to God for Taco Bell and Powerade.

(Here's a video link, to refresh your memory: Talladega Nights: Prayer Scene)

There are many different ways to pray. But maybe you're wondering:

• "Is there a right way to pray?"
• "Does prayer actually do anything?"
• "Is God even listening?" 

Let's address that first question about the "right way." Scripture from Matthew 6:5-6 gives us some cues:

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

 Matthew goes on to say in verse 8:

"Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

Then, he presents us with the Lord's prayer, telling us "Pray like this." But does that mean the Lord's Prayer is the right way or the best way to pray? Here's an interesting article about the meaning and purpose of the Lord's Prayer: What Is the Purpose of the Lord's Prayer?. Basically, the author explains that it's not so much a prayer in and of itself, as it is a skeleton, which believers are to expand upon with their own words. It is not a substitute for your own prayers but a guide for them.

Next question, about whether prayers actually do anything. Keeping in mind that the theme for these discussions is 'Your Questions Answered Explored,' in his sermon, Cody presented a quote from Tom Wright, an Anglican bishop and a leading New Testament scholar.

An excerpt from his book, "New Testament Prayer for Everyone:"

"Prayer is one of life’s great mysteries. Most people pray at least sometimes; some people, in many very different religious traditions, pray a great deal. At its lowest, prayer is shouting into a void on the off chance there may be someone out there listening. At its highest, prayer merges into love, as the presence of God becomes so real that we pass beyond words and into a sense of his reality, generosity, delight and grace. For most Christians --- most of the time --- it takes place somewhere in between those two extremes. To be frank, for many people it is not just a mystery but a puzzle. They know they ought to do it, but they aren't quite sure how."

We may not understand the full impact of prayer, but there are probably times when all of us have used it. Maybe it's when we get bad news or are really struggling in life. Cody explained that, perhaps in those times, prayer is God's way of calling us back to him. We need the prayer more than God does in those dark moments. Will we always get what we ask for? Probably not. But then again, we don't see the 'big picture.' We don't know God's plan for our life. Perhaps sometimes unanswered prayers are blessings in disguise.

In the sermon, Cody said that there have been times when he has seen prayer have a deep and lasting impact --- in his own life, in his ministry, in the lives of others. He recalls these almost surreal moments of holiness and blessing and connectedness to God and the significance they have had in his journey. 

A great book on the topic is "Help Thanks Wow; Three Essential Prayers," by author Anne Lamott. In the book, she admits that for many years she recoiled at the idea of prayer. She believed people who prayed were “ignorant.” Prayer was no better than “voodoo.” But after years of searching, she became a Christian – and a pray-er.  In her book, "she defines prayer as "communication from the heart to that which surpasses understanding." She talks about having an attitude of gratitude and the joy that it can bring to life.

At the end of the day, prayer is about connecting with God. And honestly, you might have to do it more than once to get the full benefit. To address the final question from above, "Is God even listening?," Cody encouraged us on Sunday to take some quiet time, without distractions, to just be still and reflect... and to listen ourselves. Perhaps the answers will come.

Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger

:: IN THE COMING WEEKS :: Your Questions Answered Explored
11.10 Why Should I Believe in Heaven & Hell?
11.17 Who really is God?
11.24 What's the Deal with Denominations?

Sunday Summary: Science, Politics, & Muslims

SCIENCE:
In 1632, Galileo was ordered to Rome to stand trial. He was accused of heresy for claiming that the Sun was the center of the universe and that the Earth revolved around it. This opinion was contrary to the Christian religious doctrine of the day, and he was required to retract his statements and repudiate his findings. Galileo was sentenced to house arrest for the remainder of his life. His "Dialogue" was banned, and any future works were forbidden from publication.

But here we are, 381 years later, and Galileo's findings are undisputed and scientifically proven as fact.

There's a perception among some Christians that science (like evolution) shouldn't be believed or taught, for fear that it may disprove or debunk their beliefs. Cody used this anecdote on Sunday:

Treating the Bible as a scientific text is like...

"Trying to use a paint brush to drive screws into a wall."

It doesn't work. The Bible can be interpreted, not as a scientific text book, but as a story of God's people. Does science raise questions? Absolutely, but let those questions strengthen and affirm your faith, instead of destroy it.

Think of it like this: Henry Ford developed and manufactured the first automobile that was widely available to the American middle-class. His design and production methods revolutionized transportation and industry the world over. But does that mean Ford built every single automobile that rolled off the assembly line at the plant? No, but he (and his ideas) probably had an influence in the concept and manufacturing of the vehicles for many generations to come.

In the same way, perhaps it can be believed that God set the world into motion and that his fingerprints are all over the history of the Earth. Faith aims to teach us what our existence means. Science aims to help explain our universe.

POLITICS:
Scripture sometimes gives us reason to want to be politically active. Maybe we read a particularly moving passage and feel a call to make a difference and seek justice in the world. But, the political arena can get dirty at times. There is often "mud slinging" from both sides of the aisle. But this passage from Ephesians 4:29-32 addresses this:

"Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted. Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you."

You'll often hear one party or the other take a lesson from scripture and distort it to fit their agenda. However, using faith to promote hate misses the mark... by a long shot. Work for justice should be full of grace and love. Be peacemakers. Remember that your citizenship of the "Kingdom of God" takes precedence over your citizenship of any nation on Earth.

MUSLIMS (and other world religions):
Growing up in small town North Dakota, Cody explained he didn't experience much in the way of ethnic, cultural, or religious diversity. Many of us can probably relate. But, in attending college, traveling, meeting new people, and exploring world religions, he came to wonder "Why is there such strong hate among different religions when many have so much in common?"

Example: Islam considers Jesus Christ a prophet or a messenger of God, who was sent to guide the children of Israel with a new scripture (the Gospel).

Example: Mary (Jesus' mother) is a strongly revered figure who appears frequently in the Qur'an, and is considered one most righteous women in the Islamic tradition.

We may not agree with every part of another religion, but we should respect their moral code. Look, not for the differences, but the similarities and try to relate to each other with grace and open hearts. Engage in conversation. Learn from the good in each other... and don't assume you know God's plan for others.

WHEW! That was enough for three sermons! Ha!

Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger

:: IN THE COMING WEEKS ::
10.27 All Means All
11.3  Your Questions Answered Explored

Stay tuned for more updates!

Sunday Summary : Being unChristian

Earlier this week (10.13), as part of our "Why Differently" theme, Cody talked about "Being unChristian." He gave us some staggering statistics from the book, "unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters" by David Kinnaman.

Of adults surveyed who described themselves as "outside the Christian Faith..."

• 91% felt Christians were anti-homosexual
• 87% felt Christians were judgemental
• 85% felt Christians were hypocrytical
• 75% felt Christians were too political
• 70% felt Christians were insensitive

What do you think when you see those statistics? Are they unsettling, angering, humbling? Our own experiences have shown us that Christians can be very unChristian sometimes, and people on the outside of the church see it that way, too.

Cody used a passage from Matthew 23:13 from The Message to illustrate. Addressing the Pharisees (The Pharisees or Scribes were not the priests, but rather people who were considered very pious and strict keepers of the Law of Moses. They constantly adjusted the law to fit the changing world according to their traditions and own desires.), Jesus said:

“I’ve had it with you! You’re hopeless, you religion scholars, you Pharisees! Frauds! Your lives are roadblocks to God’s kingdom. You refuse to enter, and won’t let anyone else in either."

Even in Jesus' day, people (scholars and respected leaders, even) tried to bend the word of God to fit their views and desires.

The world, then and now, rarely sees Christians who embody service, compassion, humility, forgiveness, patience, kindness, peace, joy, goodness, and love. At the Gathering, we're building a community based on the teachings of Jesus Christ --- trying to grow and foster unconditional love and acceptance like Jesus'.  

Have we failed to represent the grace of God? Have we been bad examples of Jesus' people? Absolutely. We have all failed to be Jesus-like in more ways than one. We all fall short. But we are trying... and we hope to change the perception that Christians are judgmental, insensitive hypocrites, through our words and actions.

Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger

:: IN THE COMING WEEKS ::
10.20 Science, Politics, & Muslims
10.27 All Means All

Stay tuned for more updates!

Why Differently?

This blog is about life, love, faith, world events, community outreach, humor, tragedy, inspiration, and the challenges we all face. We're real people, living real lives and doing church differently.

​Over the next few weeks, we will be talking about why we are doing church differently. It will be a great time to think more about how life, community and “the sacred” meet!

Welcome

"Questions are not scary. What is scary is when people don't have any. What is tragic is faith that has no room for them."  - Rob Bell

THE GATHERING Doing Church Differently.

Answers. Doubts. Faith. All. Welcome. Here.

The Gathering is an idea that is becoming a reality. An eclectic group of people from all walks of life -- at different points in their journey -- coming together, seeking a community that loves God and neighbors alike, as Jesus taught.

If you've had a bad experience with church...

If you've had no experience with church at all...

If you are not sure what you believe...

If you are confident in faith but want to be challenged...

If you are fed up with closed minded religious people...

If you are looking for a way of life instead of a system of doctrine... ​  

   the Gathering may be for you.

Don't worry about your particular faith tradition (or lack thereof).  We welcome you who ever you are, right where you are on your journey.

Everyone has a mom, and ours is First United Methodist Church, Fargo.

Check back soon for updates!